Con Ed Paying Victims of East Harlem Explosion

2 years ago

Con Edison has made compensation payments to people impacted by the East Harlem explosion last week. The utility said 87 payments have been made to people who were injured or lost their homes.

Con Ed spokesman Robert McGee told the Wall Street Journal the compensation payments came after meetings with the victims. He wouldn't say how much they received or the total that Con Ed paid.

"We've been working with the city, the Salvation Army, and the Red Cross, and we've been meeting with those affected one-on-one to help them and their families with expenses, while also respecting their privacy," said McGee.

The utility operates the gas pipeline near the explosion site on Park Avenue. Federal investigators said they found a leak in a gas main in the area. The National Transportation Safety Board has not officially determined the cause of the explosion though.

The Con Ed payments were made separately from a relief fund and fundraiser drive established by the city. There is about $250,000 in that fund, including money contributed by Con Ed.